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Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)

Evidence
71%
Regrowth
Viability
  • Therapy
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
    Evidence Quality

    71%

    Regrowth Potential
    Long-Term Viability
    Written by Perfect Hair Health Team
    Medically Reviewed by Rob English
    First Published Oct 7, 2024
    Last Updated Oct 23, 2024

    Key Information

    Free Resources

    KEY INFORMATION

    What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?

    Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an in-clinic treatment offered by dermatologists as a natural intervention for all types of hair loss. After drawing your own blood, a physician centrifuges that blood to concentrate its platelets, then injects those platelets directly into the scalp.

    How Does Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Work?

    PRP therapy is believed to work through two mechanisms: (1) acute inflammation generation (due to the insertion of the needles), and (2) the injection of platelets, which bring about growth factors to balding regions and may stimulate a new anagen phase of the hair cycle.

    What You Should Know

    PRP is expensive and is highly profitable for dermatologists. It also requires repeated injections to sustain results. Two clinical trials have compared PRP to microneedling – both of which showing that PRP likely works through the same mechanisms as microneedling, produces the same hair count and hair diameter improvements, but costs 100x more. We currently do not recommend PRP to members.

FREE RESOURCES

Articles

Explore the science behind hair loss and hair growth. Our in-depth articles cover topics ranging from natural remedies to pharmaceuticals to breakthroughs in hair loss science. Want to request an article topic? Contact us.

Microneedling vs PRP: Which Is Better?
By Perfect Hair Health Team
Apr 11, 2024

Microneedling vs PRP: Which Is Better?

Dermatologists often recommend platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) as a treatment for hair loss. However, studies suggest that microneedling might also achieve the same results for a fraction of the price.  This article provides a comprehensive comparison of PRP versus microneedling: the clinical evi...
PDO Hair Treatment: Examining Threads of Evidence
By Perfect Hair Health Team
Sep 27, 2022

PDO Hair Treatment: Examining Threads of Evidence

PDO (Polydioxanone) monofilament threading offers a quick and relatively painless option for those seeking hair loss treatments that don’t require lengthy procedures and recovery periods. Some practitioners claim it can reduce hair loss and promote new growth within 30 days of treatment. PDO h...
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Does It Regrow Hair? Maybe, Maybe Not.
By Perfect Hair Health Team
Jun 19, 2019

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Does It Regrow Hair? Maybe, Maybe Not.

PRP can increase hair counts by 25-40% for those with androgenic alopecia. However, it’s expensive and requires ongoing injections to maintain results. It works best as an adjunct treatment, and it might be less effective for women. Before you invest in PRP, make sure to vet your dermatologist with ...
  • FREE RESOURCES

    Research Tables

    Want the latest research on Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy? Every quarter, our research team conducts a literature search on Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy to keep you up-to-date on new studies. See our search criteria & research tables below – including a summary of key findings from every single study.

    Last updated: October 2024

    Results

    Search Criteria

    Parameter
    Inclusion Criteria
    Exclusion Criteria
    PatientsPatients of any age treated for scalp hair loss. Over 15 patients involved in the study.Patients with no hair loss disorder. Under 15 patients included in the study.
    InterventionPRP as a standalone or adjunct therapy.A study that doesn’t contain topical PRP either as a standalone or adjunct therapy.
    ComparatorPlacebo and/or other therapies or baseline.No comparator.
    OutcomesPrimary Endpoints of phototrichogram, investigator, and/or patient assessmentsAny study not designed to adequately test for the standalone or additive effect of PRP.
    Study DesignProspective studies.Literature reviews, observational, case series, non-human subjects, or ongoing clinical trials.

    Search Terms

    Search Terms:
    Platelet-rich plasma PRP hair loss alopecia
    • Abbreviations:
    • PRP
      Platelet-rich plasma
    • MN
      Microneedling
    • MXT
      Topical minoxidil
    • SPT
      Spironolactone
    • TA
      Triamcinolone
    • AA
      Alopecia Areata
    • GPA
      Global Photographic Assessment
    • FPHL
      Female Pattern Hair Loss
    • AGA
      Androgenetic Alopecia

    Summarized Studies

    StudyParticipantsDesignTreatmentResultsKey TakeawayAdverse EffectsEvidence Quality
    Authors (year)SexHair Loss TypeDesignTreatment TypesTreatment RegimenPRP ProcedureNo. of SessionsDurationEndpointsHair Growth AssessmentsSummaryLimitationsAdverse EffectsJadad Score
    Moftah et al (2022)n=40 (F)
    Group 1: 10
    Group 2: 10
    Group 3: 10
    Group 4: 10    		iconFPHLPilotPRPGroup 1: PRP prepared by only 1 spin using centrifugation force of (3000 rpm or 1000 g for 10 min)
    Group 2: PRP prepared by 2 springs using centrifugation force of (1500 rpm or 250 g for 10 min) for the first and (2000 rpm or 1000 g for 10 min) for the second one.
    Group 3: PRP prepared by 2 spins using centrifugation force of (1500 rpm or 250 g for 10 min) for the first and (3000 rpm or 1000 g for 10 min) for the second one.
    Group 4: PRP prepared by 1 spin with centrifugation force of (900 rpm, or 220 g for 10 min).    		Fronto-parietal area of the scalp was divided into 12 squares of 1x1 cm2. The corners of each square were injected intradermally with 0.1 ml by insulin syringe (20 total injection points)3 (4 weeks apart)12 weeksInvestigator assessment, trichoscopic assessment% Change in terminal hairs:
    Group 1: 3.76%
    Group 2:
    5.22%
    Group 3: 4.18%
    Group 4: 11.54%
    %Change in vellus hairs:
    Group 1: -9.7%
    Group 2: -13.35%
    Group 3: -10.30
    Group 4: -28.24%
    %Change in hair width
    Group 1: 17.86%
    Group 2: 14.91%
    Group 3: 19.31%
    Group 4: 10%
    Investigator Assessment:
    Group 4 exhibited the highest number of participants who experienced “moderate” improvement (50%). None of the groups experienced “good” improvement.
    		Group 4: single spin low centrifugation speed was ideal for PRP preparation.Small sample size.None reported
    3
    Ramadan et al (2021)n=126 (M: 46, F: 80) Group 1: 42
    Group 2: 42
    Group 3: 42    		iconAGASingle-blind, randomized, controlled studyMXT, PRP, SPT and finasterideAll patients received MXT 5% (once daily for females, twice daily for men), SPT 100 mg once daily for females, and 2.5 mg finasteride once daily for men.Group 1: Control (no PRP)
    Group 2: Direct intradermal injections using a 30-gauge syringe (0.1 ml), 1 cm deep and 1 cm apart.
    Group 3: Dermapen at 2 mm depth and frequency 3 with PRP applied topically.    		6 (once monthly)24 weeksDermoscopic evaluation, patient satisfaction, and adverse effectsHair Density:
    Group 1: 10.8 hairs per cm2
    Group 2: 16.7 hairs per cm2
    Group 3: 56.3 hairs per cm2
    Hair Diameter:
    Group 1: 13.5 mm
    Group 2: 20.3 mm
    Group 3: 52.3
    Patient Self-Assessment: 88% of patients overall were satisfied with treatment by the 3rd month and greatly satisfied after 6 months.     		The addition of PRP with MN to a combined medical treatment increases its efficacy.Lack of long-term follow-upand use of other interventions may affect the results.Group 2 and 3: 23 patients within both PRP groups reported burning pain during injection, as well as scalp pain and headache for a few hours after plasma injection.
    2
    Shapiro et al (2020)n=35 (F:17, M:18)iconAGADouble-blind, split-scalp RCT.PRP and placebo.Side 1: PRP.
    Side 2: Placebo.    		Placebo and PRP were injected at a depth of 3-4 mm at 35-45° with a quantity of 0.1 - 0.2 ml per injection/cm2.3 (once every 4 weeks)12 weeks + a final follow-up 12 weeks after the final treatment.Folliscope (hair density and thickness), photography, investigator assessment, patient self-assessment and patient satisfaction.Change in Hair Density:
    Side 1: +20 hairs/cm2.
    Side 2: +16 hairs/cm2.
    Hair Diameter:
    Side 1: Increased from 56.75 to 61.23 μm.
    Side 2: Increased from 56.43 to 62.63 μm.
    Investigator Assessment:
    Side 1: 23 patients exhibited slight or moderate improvement. No change was seen in 12 patients.
    Side 2: 16 patients exhibited slight or moderate improvement. No change was seen in 16 patients. Worsening seen in 3 patients.
    Patient Assessment: 45.8% of patients overall noted a discrete or noticeable change in scalp appearance. 86% would maybe or definitely recommend the treatment.    		While no statistical significance was seen in hair density between the two sides, PRP did show a slight increase. PRP may have a benefit in increasing hair density.Possible PRP diffusion through the scalp due to split-scalp design. 91.4% of overall patients complained of pain during the treatment, 94% of patients reported sensitivity in various areas of the scalp, 20% reported headache, 11.4% reported itching, and 2.9% of patients reported either redness, dry scalp, sensitive scalp, swelling, acne or bleeding.
    5
    Dubin et al (2020)n=30 (F)
    Group 1: 15
    Group 2: 15    		iconAGARCTPRP and placebo.Group 1: PRP.
    Group 2: Placebo.    		Group 1: 4 ml of PRP (0.2 ml per injection) subdermally injected 3 - 8 mm below the skin surface via a 30-gauge, 0.5-inch needle, spaced 1-2 cm apart.
    Group 2: Same preparation and injection protocol but using saline.    		3 (once every 4 weeks).8 weeksGPA and Folliscope (hair density and thickness).Mean Change in Hair Density:
    Group 1: +71.1 hairs/cm2.
    Group 2: -26.7 hairs/cm2.
    Mean Change in Hair Thickness:
    Group 1: +0.0053 mm.
    Group 2: -0.0060 mm.
    GPA:
    Group 1: 57% improved from baseline.
    Group 2: 7% improved from baseline.    		PRP is an effective intervention for female AGA.Small sample size.Group 1: Mild headache - 50%
    Scalp tightness - 50%
    Swelling - 29%
    Redness - 14%
    Postinjection bleeding - 7%
    Tingling - 7%
    Group 2:
    Mild headache - 29%
    Scalp tightness - 21%.
    5
    Paththinige et al (2020)n=24 (M:27, F:1)iconAGAProspectivePRPPRPPRP injected into the affected areas using 1 ml syringes with a 25 gauge needle using nappage technique. Injections were performed at a depth of 1.5-2.5 mm. 4 (once every 3 weeks and then a booster at 14 weeks).28 weeksHair density and patient satisfaction.Hair Density: +161.83 compared to baseline
    Patient Satisfaction: Overall satisfaction: 72.92/100
    79.17% of patients claimed they would like a booster session.
    87.5% of them were willing to suggest PRP as a good treatment for other patients with AGA.
    		PRP injections may have a positive therapeutic effect on AGA without major side effects.Small sample size, no placebo.100% felt at least mild pain during injections.
    After the procedure, 29.17% of all patients had a mild pain feeling that lasted up to 2 hours.
    1
    Bruce et al (2020)n=20 (F)
    Group 1: 10
    Group 2: 10    		iconAGARCTMX and PRPGroup 1: PRP for 12 weeks then 8 weeks of washout, then 5% MXT once daily for 12 weeks
    Group 2: 5% MXT daily for 12 weeks, then 8 weeks of washout, then then PRP for 112 weeks.    		5 ml total of PRP injected between the dermis and subcutaneous layer using a 30-gauge needle. Approx. 0.1 ml was used per injection site and 50 injection points. Needle angle was 90°3 (every 4 weeks).24 weeksTrichoscan (hair count and hair density) - data split into PRP and minoxidil instead of groups, and quality of life questionnaires% Change in Hair Count:
    PRP: 7.7%
    MXT: 22.7%
    % Change in Vellus Density:
    PRP: 25.7%
    MXT: 18.6%
    % Change in Terminal Density:
    PRP: -0.7%
    MXT: 12.8%
    % Change in Hair Thickness:
    PRP: -3.5%
    MXT: 20.6%
    Patient Quality of Life: Significant improvements in quality of life responses from baseline to week 12 for PRP treatment were observed for 11 out of 16 questions, and in 4 questions the degree of improvement was significantly better for PRP than for MX.    		While quantitatively, PRP did not perform as well as MX, the improved quality of life responses after PRP suggest a potential greater degree of satisfaction with PRP.Small sample size. PRP: 21.1% of patients experienced either pain/discomfort or bruising.
    MX: No adverse effects.
    3
    Qu et al (2019)n=93 (M:51, F:42)iconAGALongitudinal studyPRPPRPPRP injected onto the balding areas at 0.05 - 0.1 ml/cm2 using a 30-gauge needle.6 (once every 4 weeks)24 weeksGPA, phototrichogram (density, thickness, scalp inflammation, and hair oil secretion),
    hair pull test, and satisfaction questionnaire.
    		Hair Density:
    PRP led to a significant increase in hair density in both men and women.
    Hair Thickness: PRP led to a significant increase in hair thickness in both men and women.
    Hair Pull Test:
    Overall improvement for both men and women however, no statistically significant improvement was observed.
    Scalp Inflammation and oil secretion: Both mean and women exhibited improvement in inflammation and oil secretion.
    Patient Satisfaction: 7.24/10 for men, and 6.99/10 for women.    		PRP injections may exhibit efficacy in both men and women with AGA.No control group and short follow-up.Reported in 30 men and 23 women. Most common side effect was mild pain.
    Men: Mild itching (2)
    Women: Headache (1), Shedding tears (1).
    2
    Albalat & Ebrahim (2019)n=80 (M:68, F: 12)
    Group 1: 40
    Group 2: 40    		iconAARandomized, double-blind studyTA and PRPGroup 1: TA (5 mg/ml)
    Group 2: PRP    		Group 1: Injected intradermally with a 0.5 inch, 30 gauge needle, 1 ml insulin syringe. Multiple 0.1 ml injections at 1 cm apart.

    Group 2: Injected intradermally using a 1 ml syringe and 30 gauge sterile needles. 0.1 ml injections at 1 cm apart.    		3-5 sessions (Once every 2 weeks)12 weeksGPA, dermoscopy, regrowing score (RGS)Dermoscopy: Group 1: 70% of dystrophic hair improved more than 50%.
    Group 2: 75% of dystrophic hair improved more than 50%.
    GPA:
    Group 1: 65.5% of patients showed improvement.
    Group 2: 70% of patients showed improvement.    		PRP appears to be safe and effective for AA.No placebo group.Group 1: Redness and burning (20%).
    Group 2: Redness and burning (70%).
    3
    Verma et al (2019)n=30 (M)
    Group 1: 16
    Group 2: 14    		iconAGAProspective clinical trial.PRP and MX.Group 1: PRP
    Group 2: MXT 5% applied twice daily.    		Injected intradermally at a dose of 0.1 - 0.2 ml per injection, approx. 1 cm apart.4 sessions (Once every 4 weeks).Group 1: 16 weeks
    Group 2: 24 weeks.    		Hair pull test, Patient self assessment.Hair Pull Test:
    Group 1: 12 patients (75%) had a negative hair pull test.
    Group 2: 6 patients (42.8%) had a negative hair pull test.
    Patient Self-Assessment:
    Group 1: 62.5% satisfied with their overall hair regrowth.
    Group 2: 35.76% satisfied with their overall hair regrowth.    		PRP therapy can be a valuable alternative to MXT in the treatment of AGASmall sample size, short follow-up period.Group 1: Pain at injection site leading to 4 withdrawals.
    Group 2: mild scaling.
    3
    Bayat et al (2018)n=19 (M)iconAGASingle - arm clinical trial.PRPPRP5 cc was injected at 125 points at a dose of 0.04 cc/cm2.3 sessions (every 4 weeks).8 weeks.Dermoscopy (hair density and thickness), investigator assessment.Change in Hair Count:
    +8.47 hairs per cm2
    Change in Hair Thickness: +0.013 μm.    		PRP is an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia.Short follow-up, no safety evaluation.None reported
    1
    Butt et al (2019)n=30 (M:20, F: 10)iconAGAProspectivePRPPRPInjections of PRP in a concentration of 0.05-0.1 ml/cm2 were given into the scalp 1 cm apart using nappage technique at a depth of 1.5 - 2.5 mm.28 weeks with follow-up at 24 weeks.Hair density, ratio of terminal/vellus hair, photographs, hair pull tests.Increase in Vellus Hair: 3 hairs per cm2
    Increase in Terminal Hair: 18 hairs per cm2.
    % Reduction in Hair Pulled: 29.2%
    Hair density: 34.18 hairs per cm2 after the first visit and 50.20 hairs per cm2 at the last visit.    		PRP appears to effectively improve hair density and reduce hair loss for patients with AGA.Small sample size, short follow-up, no control/ placebo, and no safety evaluation.None reported.
    0
    Rodrigues et al (2018)n=26 (M)
    Group 1: 13
    Group 2: 13    		iconAGADouble-blind, investigative, pilot, prospective study.PRP and placebo.Group 1: PRP
    Group 2: Placebo (saline).    		20 subcutaneous injections of 100 μl of PRP or saline solution into the scalp, totaling 2 ml. A 32 gauge needle with a 1 ml syringe was used.460 days.Hair growth, density, and percentage of anagen hairs. A significant increase in hair count, density, and % of anagen hairs was observed in the PRP group compared to the control group.PRP appears to show favorable outcomes for those with AGA.Small sample size, short follow-up time.None reported.
    2
    Ince et al (2018)n=46 (M)
    Group 1: 15
    Group 2: 16
    Group 3: 15    		iconAGACohort study.nonactivated PRP (n-PRP), homologous PRP (h-PRP) and active PRP (a-PRP).Group 1: n-PRP
    Group 2: aPRP
    GRoup 3:
    hPRP
    		Injections performed at a 1.5 - 2.5 mm deep intradermal area with 0.05 - 0.1 ml per cm2452 weeksHair density.Increase in Hair Density:
    Group 1: 32.4%
    Group 2: 20.8%
    Group 3: 41.76%    		h-PRP therapy appears to be more effective at treating hair loss than the other forms of PRP.Small sample size.None reported
    2
    Tawfik & Osman (2018)n=30 (F)
    Group 1: PRP
    Group 2: Placebo    		iconFPHLRandomized placebo-controlled, split-scalp study.PRP and
    placebo
    		Side 1: PRP
    Side 2: Placebo (saline).    		Intradermal injection using an insulin syrine. No dosage or volume mentioned.416 weeks then 24 weeks follow-upHair growth, density, diameter, and volume, GPA, hair pull test, and patient satisfaction.Increase in Hair Density:
    Group 1: +77.28 hairs per cm2
    Group 2: +17.81 hairs per cm2
    Hair Thickness:
    Group 1: 0.11 μm
    Group 2: 0.03 μm
    Patient Satisfaction: 7.1/10
    Hair Pull Test:
    Group 1: Negative pull test in 83% of patients.
    Group 2: 8 hairs pulled.    		PRP appears to lead to an increase in hair density suggesting it is an effective treatment option for AGA patients.Small sample size.Temporary pain and pinpoint bleeding at the injection sites which disappeared within a day.
    3
    Kachhawa et al (2017n=50 (M)iconAGAProspective, split-scalp study.PRP and placeboSide 1: PRP
    Side 2: Scalp    		Intradermal injection of PRP 1 mm apart. A total volume of 1-2 cc was injected.224 weeksHair density, the ratio of terminal/vellus hair.Hair Density: A significant increase observed in mean hair thickness and density in the PRP group compared to the control.PRP appears to lead to an increase in the terminal/vellus ratio suggesting it is an effective treatment option for AGA patients.Short follow-up.During application, almost all the patients felt pain, despite local anasthesia which subsided after 4 hours.
    1
    Gentile et al (2015)n=20 (M)iconAGASplit-scalp, prospective cohort study.PRP and placeboSide 1: PRP
    Side 2: Placebo    		Interfollicular injection of PRP (0.1 ml/cm2) was performed with a 30-Gauge, 1 ml Luer-lock syringe.3 (Once every 4 weeks).12 weeksPhototrichogram (hair count, density, diameter, anagen/telogen ratio and vellus/terminal ratio.Change in Hair Density:
    Side 1: 45.8 hairs per cm2
    Side 2: 3.8 hairs per cm2
    Change in Terminal Hair Density:
    Side 1: 40.1 hairs per cm2
    Side 2: -5.6 hairs per cm2
    Change in Vellus Hair Density:
    Side 1: 1.9 hairs per cm2
    Side 2: 1 hairs per cm2.    		PRP appears to improve overall hair density as well as increase terminal hair density and reduce vellus hair densitySmall sample size and short-follow up.None reported by participants.
    3
    Gkini et al (2014)n=20
    (M:18, F: 2)
    		iconAGAProspective cohort study.PRPPRP6 ml of PRP loaded in 1 ml syringes. 0.05 - 0.1 ml/cm2 was injected with a 27 Gauge needled into the balding areas at a depth of 1.5-2.5 mm using BD-Luer LokTM 1 ml syringes.3 (Once every 3 weeks) then one booster at 24 weeks.24 weeksHair loss, hair density, and patient satisfaction.Hair Pull:
    At T3 and T4 (weeks 9 & 12) the hair pull test was negative (below 3), however, this returned to a final pull level of 6 hairs pulled.
    Change in Hair Density:
    +10.6 hairs per cm2
    Patient Satisfaction:
    7.10/10
    		PRP showed a positive side effect on hair growth which appeared to reduce after stoppage of the treatment.No placebo/comparator and small sample size.During application, 100% of them felt mild pain, despite local anaesthesia.
    After application, 25% felt mild pain which subsided after 4 hours, while 60% had scalp sensitivity during their first hair wash
    1
    Trink et al (2013)n=45
    Group 1: 15
    Group 2: 15
    Group 3: 15    		iconAARandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled half-head study.PRP, TA or placebo.Group 1: PRP
    Group 2: TA (2.5 mg/ml)
    Group 3: Placebo    		No injection protocol given.31 yearSALT score, digital macrographs, Investigator assessment, and dystrophic hair counts, cell growth.SALT Score:
    Group 1: 60% of participants exhibited complete remission by the third time point.
    Group 2: 27% of participants exhibited complete remission by the third time point.
    Investigator Assessment: 96% of patients in Group 1 had regrowth of fully pigmented hair compared to 25% in Group 2.
    Dystrophic Hair Counts: Group 1 and Group 2 both significantly improved dystrophic hair counts, however, PRP did reduce the numbers notably more.
    Burning and Itching Sensation:
    Group 1 and Group 2 both significantly improved burning and itching sensations.
    Cell Growth:
    Group 1 and Group 2 significantly increased the number of proliferating cells in AA patches compared with placebo, with levels much higher in PRP-treated areas than TA- treated areas
    		PRP treatment resulted in significant hair regrowth in AA patients compared to TrA or placebo. Patients treated with PRP showed complete remission in 60% of cases, surpassing TrA and placebo. Cell proliferationwas significantly higher in the PRP group. PRP also improved dermoscopy results and reduced itching or burning sensations. No adverse effects were reported.Small sample size, and the study focused on the chronic, relapsing form of AA. The findings may not apply to other types of AA. No adverse effects reported
    3